Predictive analysis and mapping of indoor radon concentrations in a complex environment using kernel estimation: an application to Switzerland.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_DAD907331FF0
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Predictive analysis and mapping of indoor radon concentrations in a complex environment using kernel estimation: an application to Switzerland.
Journal
Science of the Total Environment
Author(s)
Kropat G., Bochud F., Jaboyedoff M., Laedermann J.P., Murith C., Palacios Gruson M., Baechler S.
ISSN
1879-1026 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0048-9697
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
505
Pages
137-148
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop models based on kernel regression and probability estimation in order to predict and map IRC in Switzerland by taking into account all of the following: architectural factors, spatial relationships between the measurements, as well as geological information.
METHODS: We looked at about 240,000 IRC measurements carried out in about 150,000 houses. As predictor variables we included: building type, foundation type, year of construction, detector type, geographical coordinates, altitude, temperature and lithology into the kernel estimation models. We developed predictive maps as well as a map of the local probability to exceed 300 Bq/m(3). Additionally, we developed a map of a confidence index in order to estimate the reliability of the probability map.
RESULTS: Our models were able to explain 28% of the variations of IRC data. All variables added information to the model. The model estimation revealed a bandwidth for each variable, making it possible to characterize the influence of each variable on the IRC estimation. Furthermore, we assessed the mapping characteristics of kernel estimation overall as well as by municipality. Overall, our model reproduces spatial IRC patterns which were already obtained earlier. On the municipal level, we could show that our model accounts well for IRC trends within municipal boundaries. Finally, we found that different building characteristics result in different IRC maps. Maps corresponding to detached houses with concrete foundations indicate systematically smaller IRC than maps corresponding to farms with earth foundation.
CONCLUSIONS: IRC mapping based on kernel estimation is a powerful tool to predict and analyze IRC on a large-scale as well as on a local level. This approach enables to develop tailor-made maps for different architectural elements and measurement conditions and to account at the same time for geological information and spatial relations between IRC measurements.
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
21/02/2015 13:56
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:59
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